as in winds
an air movement that is blowing toward something (such as a ship or an airplane) as it moves forward
Stiff headwinds caused the flight to take longer than expected.
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Recent Examples of headwinds
Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global filmmaking hub is facing headwinds, and not just because of one recent high-profile flop.
—
Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 2 June 2026
The turnaround still faces headwinds.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 2 June 2026
The decision not to contest Brinkema's ruling reflects the headwinds the administration has been facing from lawmakers in both parties who had significant reservations about the program.
—Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 1 June 2026
Still family-owned under third generation CEO Jim Bakke and spanning three brands to meet virtually every kitchen appliance need—Wolf for cooking and Cove for cleaning—the company has weathered industry headwinds that have challenged other major appliance brands.
—Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Race-conscious policies face serious headwinds today.
—David Blazar, The Conversation, 1 June 2026
This is another bullish move from Sazerac, which seems focused on a positive long-term picture despite the headwinds that the industry is facing.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 1 June 2026
Though the company has upgraded its sales expectations for 2026, Fiddelke acknowledges the headwinds as consumers pull back from spending.
—Joel Mathis, TheWeek, 26 May 2026
Advertisement Is Meals on Wheels feeling the headwinds that are being faced by other charitable organizations?
—Belinda Luscombe, Time, 20 May 2026
Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 2 June 2026
The turnaround still faces headwinds.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 2 June 2026
The decision not to contest Brinkema's ruling reflects the headwinds the administration has been facing from lawmakers in both parties who had significant reservations about the program.
—Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 1 June 2026
Still family-owned under third generation CEO Jim Bakke and spanning three brands to meet virtually every kitchen appliance need—Wolf for cooking and Cove for cleaning—the company has weathered industry headwinds that have challenged other major appliance brands.
—Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Race-conscious policies face serious headwinds today.
—David Blazar, The Conversation, 1 June 2026
This is another bullish move from Sazerac, which seems focused on a positive long-term picture despite the headwinds that the industry is facing.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 1 June 2026
Though the company has upgraded its sales expectations for 2026, Fiddelke acknowledges the headwinds as consumers pull back from spending.
—Joel Mathis, TheWeek, 26 May 2026
Advertisement Is Meals on Wheels feeling the headwinds that are being faced by other charitable organizations?
—Belinda Luscombe, Time, 20 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for headwinds
winds
Noun
-
Overcoming high desert winds The team used Nabrawind’s new Total Self-Erecting System (SES) and Skylift turbine technology for the installation.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
1 June 2026
-
The same year, Hurricane Dora passed within about 400 miles of Hawaii, churning up winds on the islands that contributed to the Lahaina fire disaster on Maui.—
Evan Bush,
NBC news,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Headwinds.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/headwinds. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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